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Parent happy to help son learn about catching

Parent happy to help son learn about catching

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"That's nice that he gets to see if he can do it," Mark Parent said.

By Scott Merkin
/
MLB.com |

HOUSTON -- Nick Parent, the eldest son of White Sox bench coach Mark Parent, begins his professional career on Monday when he reports to rookie-level Bristol as part of the Appalachian League. Parent was selected by the White Sox in the 36th round of the 2013 First-Year Player Draft and has been moved to catcher, working at Camelback Ranch in Arizona with Minor League catching instructor John Orton before reporting for games.

Behind the plate is where Mark Parent found himself for 427 of his 474 Major League games, and he'll be happy to help his son learn the position.

"Whatever he needs equipment-wise I'll give him, advice I'll give him, but I'm not going to make any calls to [Bristol manager Mike] Gellinger and say, 'Play my kid more.' That's up to him," Parent said. "When anybody is working, they have to get what they get.

"You think you deserve more? Try better. He's heard me say it many times to my guys. You don't like it any better, play better.

"That's nice that he gets to see if he can do it," Parent said. "It's an opportunity and I'm thankful the White Sox are giving him the opportunity. What he does with that opportunity is up to him."

Jake Parent, the younger of the bench coach's two sons who just graduated high school, also wants to pursue a baseball career, and the young man, standing well over 6-feet tall, has lost 40 pounds over the last year in preparation for this next step. But on Father's Day, Parent doesn't need baseball success to appreciate what his children have accomplished.

"I'm proud of my kids regardless," Parent said. "I told them when they were real young, 'You don't want to play baseball? Let's go surfing or do something.' It's what they chose and it's nice to have one with me for most of the summer like last year. I'm proud of my kids no matter what."

Scott Merkin is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Merk's Works, and follow him on Twitter @scottmerkin. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.